Johann Durand
Blue Flag International Director, FEE
Hello to all distinguished guests, colleagues, partners, and friends. My name is Johann Durand, and I serve as the International Director of the Blue Flag Programme of FEE. Today, as the BLUE FLAG Asia Summit 2025 is being held here in Osaka, I am deeply honored to join you all, even if only remotely.
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the organizers, the Japan Blue Flag Association and JARTA, as well as to everyone participating on behalf of local communities from Japan, South Korea, India, and other regions. Your participation makes this event truly historic.
The Blue Flag philosophy began with a single, simple idea: “Beaches, marinas, and tourist boats should be symbols not only of beauty but also of responsibility and respect for the environment.” Three decades later, it has grown into a global movement spanning more than 50 countries. The Blue Flag displayed at a location signifies to the world that it is a place where “people and nature coexist.”
Asia’s coastlines are rich in biodiversity, culture, and the lives of its people. At the same time, they are on the front lines of challenges such as climate change, plastic pollution, and rapid development. These challenges show us that sustainability is not “optional” but “essential.”
Today, sustainability is evolving further and promoting a new concept called “Regeneration.” Regenerative tourism restores ecosystems, strengthens local communities, and leaves destinations in better condition than before. We believe Asia has great potential to lead these transformations—through climate-resilient infrastructure, carbon-neutral marinas, and inclusive coastal tourism accessible to all.
The Blue Flag Programme is based on three pillars. The first is “Sustainability.” Strict standards regarding water quality, safety, and environmental education and management are designed to fulfill our responsibility to future generations. In recent years, the importance of carbon reduction, resilience, and digital innovation has also grown.
The second pillar is “Community.” Blue Flag can never be achieved alone. It requires collaboration among governments, NGOs, schools, businesses, and citizens. Furthermore, inclusivity and accessibility are becoming new indicators of success.
And the third is “Trust.” In today’s world, where greenwashing is a growing concern, trust is paramount. Blue Flag is not merely a symbol; it is a guarantee of trust based on clear standards and independent verification.
This summit aims at mutual learning. Japan’s leading initiatives and the efforts in South Korea and India resonate with one another, forming a single, significant value. The ocean knows no borders; the tides connect us, pollution spreads, and the impacts of climate change reach every coastline. That is precisely why solutions must also be shared and advanced through collaboration.
As we engage in today’s discussions, I would like to ask you to consider three priorities.
The first is “Access.” How can we ensure that more communities across Asia, including remote islands and rural areas, benefit from Blue Flag?
The second is “Youth and Innovation.” How can we empower the next generation to take the lead through education, digital technology, and regenerative initiatives?
The third is “Partnership.” How can we collaborate across governments, businesses, civil society, and science communities?
Sustainability should be a “foundation,” not an “afterthought.” I am confident that the discussions and outcomes of this summit will contribute not only to the development of Blue Flag in Asia but also to the promotion of sustainable tourism worldwide.
What the Blue Flag symbolizes is not merely a flag. It is a promise that connects human beings and nature, local societies and the world, and the present and future. I am deeply inspired to see that this promise is being renewed and nurtured here in Asia.
Let us work together to raise more Blue Flags, foster partnerships, and protect our cherished places. The ocean is a treasure we have inherited together, and at the same time, it is our responsibility to pass it on to future generations. Let us walk together so that this ocean remains safe, beautiful, and celebrated throughout the world. Thank you very much.